Shop Press - Auto Repair News & Ideas

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Hot Off the Press

Automakers borrow the worst thing from modern video games: microtransactions

If you’re a video gamer, you’re likely aware of the concept of microtransactions. If you’re not, allow me to explain. Microtransactions are payments that gamers can make after they’ve started to play a game, to purchase purely cosmetic digital items (in its more...

Nine notable “cars” that aren’t cars

Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of Polaris Slingshots on the road. OK, not a ton of them, but I do take notice of them when I see them. Usually it makes me think, “What is the deal with those things? Are they cars or not?” When I looked into it, I discovered there...

Mechanics React: More horrors hidden behind “customer states” (VIDEO)

Description In this episode of Mechanics React, Nick and Lem see some vehicles with pretty major problems and give their expert mechanical opinions completely free of charge—and their diags are worth exactly what they've been paid for them! Check out the video.

Tool review: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price. I have a relative who works at Milwaukee Tool who usually gets me items at a steep discount, but there is no requirement to write about them. Have you switched (or are you switching) to electric tools from air?...

PSA: Your customers are probably parking incorrectly

It’s hard to tell someone they do something as basic as parking their car incorrectly. But I’m a charismatic guy, and I like a challenge, so I do this with customers and have for a long time. Why? Because the commonly accepted way of parking a car is pretty dangerous....

Mechanics React: There are a few missing symptoms on these ROs (VIDEO)

Description Nick and Lem are at it again. They took a peek at some pretty wild repair scenarios this time around the block, and a theme seemed to emerge: customer obfuscation of symptoms. See some of the surprises Reddit had in store and what two Dorman wrenchers had...

Three tips from a lifelong parts professional to make sure you never get the wrong part

Every tech has wound up with the wrong part in hand, usually with a vehicle ripped apart and parts strewn everywhere. Obscenities are uttered, followed by some shouting across the shop to the service writer about how it’s costing time in the bay. Then again, maybe...

Gas vs. diesel (VIDEO)

Description Is there an ideal fuel for an ICE these days? Use case is everything, of course. Nick and Lem sat down to give some thoughts on the go-juice each prefers to burn, and while they might not agree on everything, neither of them seems real fond of the prices...

ADAS Alignment and Calibration – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A says thrust angle must be set to zero on many ADAS-equipped vehicles during alignment. Technician B says the steering angle sensor and front wheel position must be correct before camera or radar calibration. Who is correct?

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Fixing cracked plastic parts with a hot staple tool (VIDEO)

Fixing cracked plastic parts with a hot staple tool (VIDEO)

When plastic parts break, sometimes replacements can be prohibitively expensive or hard to find. Learn how to use a hot staple tool to salvage broken plastics for auto repairs and other projects.

How stop drilling can help to save cracked parts (VIDEO)

How stop drilling can help to save cracked parts (VIDEO)

Learn how stop drilling can help to prevent cracks from propagating with a little know-how and a drill.

Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

Lemmy tries out the cheapest lab scope available on Amazon.

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Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

It’s like torquing a bolt, but with an extra twist.

Can’t break that crank bolt loose? You need a crank socket (VIDEO)

Can’t break that crank bolt loose? You need a crank socket (VIDEO)

Crank fasteners are often a real pain to remove. Mechanics with expensive impact wrenches and large breaker bars struggle to remove them—but there’s a better way.

So you want to restore a classic or build a kit car? Think twice.

So you want to restore a classic or build a kit car? Think twice.

Unless you’re a professional mechanic or a hardcore DIYer, I suggest you focus on building memories instead of a car.

EGR system – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

EGR system – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Under what conditions would the EGR system be expected to be operational? We have the correct answer.

A low-tech favor you can perform for every customer (and yourself)

A low-tech favor you can perform for every customer (and yourself)

Break out your paint pen—you’re the service writer now!

Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?

Are you a wrench and a writer? A counterperson and a communicator? A service writer and a scribe? Get paid to share your experience and expertise with thousands of Shop Press readers.

SHOP STUFF

Auto care news and advice you can use.

Recovering A/C Refrigerant-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Recovering A/C Refrigerant-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Technician A is preparing to recover the refrigerant from a customer’s vehicle. What are the steps he should take when performing this service?

The TPMS tool that pays for itself

The TPMS tool that pays for itself

Why wouldn’t your shop purchase a few of these?

Tapping V6 – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Tapping V6 – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Two technicians are examining a tapping sound coming from a V6 engine. See who has the correct response about what’s causing the noise.

Buy once, cry once: Auto parts that are worth the extra cost (VIDEO)

Buy once, cry once: Auto parts that are worth the extra cost (VIDEO)

We’ve all heard the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some auto parts, those are words of wisdom. For others, it might be an unnecessary expense.

Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)

Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)

When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.

VIDEOS

A different type of timed event: the Bobby Bosch Relay Race

A different type of timed event: the Bobby Bosch Relay Race

Your daily work is also a cruel automotive penalty.

How to use a lockout kit (VIDEO)

How to use a lockout kit (VIDEO)

Powerful tools—if you know how to use ‘em.

Drag racing semi-trucks (VIDEO)

Drag racing semi-trucks (VIDEO)

Smokin’ tires and smokin’ stacks!